A radar level transmitter is a device used for measuring the level of a liquid in a storage vessel. It utilizes radar technology to determine the distance between the transmitter and the liquid surface. This information is then used to calculate the liquid level. Radar level transmitters are widely used in various industries due to their accuracy and reliability. They offer precise measurement at a lower cost compared to other technologies and have replaced traditional methods such as pressure, hydrostatic, capacitive, and ultrasonic level measurement . ‘
Due to the complexity of the measured object, high temperature, high pressure and high corrosion, as well as serious damage due to foam, stirring, steam and many other reasons, the radar level gauge frequently fails, and the maintenance of the instrument is large, which seriously affects the production equipment. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the daily failure problems of radar level gauges and how to deal with them.
Radar level transmitter troubleshooting methods #
1. Check whether the power supply is normal
If the production site finds that the radar level gauge changes very slowly after the liquid level rises to a certain value, you should immediately check whether the power supply of the radar level gauge is normal, and the relevant staff should also check the radar level gauge in detail during daily maintenance. The power-on condition, whether there is normal output after power-on. If the liquid level changes slowly or does not change at all, it is necessary to check whether the fuse of the equipment is burned out at the first time. If there is no current output, it can basically be judged that there is a problem with the instrument, and it should be replaced or repaired according to the situation. In addition, management should be strengthened in the process of instrument installation and commissioning to prevent inaccurate instrument parameter settings from affecting production. Relevant staff also need to strengthen daily maintenance work, and conduct regular outages for maintenance, so as to ensure the normal operation of the radar level gauge.
2. Check whether the communication equipment is normal
Once it is found that the communication equipment is abnormal, you can install the radar debugging software, read the configuration data of the radar, and monitor the status of the radar sensor. Mainly check that the radar sensor can accurately judge the difference between the reflected echo and the false echo, and whether the intensity of the reflected wave reaches the predetermined standard. If there is no problem with the above test, you need to check other electronic components. If the communication unit is damaged, it is necessary to replace the components according to the situation, so as to ensure the normal communication of the radar level gauge. Relevant staff should also strengthen the inspection of the communication of the radar level gauge in the daily maintenance work. They can use the radar debugging software to access the signal line, and use the regulator to maintain the communication equipment of the radar level gauge.
3. Use temperature
In order to make the radar level gauge measure normally, it should be ensured that the internal temperature of the radar level gauge is lower than 50°C. Generally speaking, radar level gauges are used to measure high temperature media. Therefore, the shell of the radar level gauge is made of materials with strong heat resistance, so under normal circumstances, the interior of the radar level gauge will not exceed 50 °C. If the internal electronic components exceed this value, ice must not be used. Water is used for cooling and cooling, and ice water will not only not play a role in cooling and cooling, but even paralyze the radar level gauge. A small amount of wind can be blown into the radar head with a copper pipe to scientifically reduce the internal temperature of the radar level gauge.
4. The displayed value is inaccurate
The inaccurate display value is a common problem of radar level gauges. The cause of the inaccurate display value may be that the contrast ratio of the initial setting is not appropriate, or the plug-in connection of the display module is incorrect. The relevant staff should try to avoid this problem. Once it is found that the displayed value is not visible, you should check the initial setting of the radar level gauge and check whether the connection of the display module plug-in is normal. If these two items are normal, you need to check whether the output current of the radar level gauge is normal. Normal, if the output current is greater than 22mA, it can be judged that the display module of the radar level gauge is faulty and needs to be replaced in time. If the output current is less than 3.5mA, it can be judged that the electronic module of the radar level gauge is faulty, and the electronic module of the radar level gauge needs to be replaced in time.
5. The system displays an error message
The system of the radar level gauge often displays error messages. Generally, the cause of this failure is that the power supply is cut off before the end of data storage, and it needs to be calibrated, reset and re-calibrated. If the alarm still sounds after the calibration is reset and re-calibrated, the electronic module of the radar level gauge needs to be replaced.
6. Antenna contamination and crystallization
When dealing with the failure of the lightly polluted oil tank, the possibility of antenna contamination and crystallization should be considered first. The solution is to wear suitable protective equipment after the power is off, remove the radar and put it down tilted, and wipe off the dirt or crystals with a rag. Do not bend or damage the antenna, handle it with care, and avoid scratching with iron to avoid damaging the antenna skin.
7. Diffuse reflection
If the liquid level is low or there is no liquid level, the biggest reason may be that there are brackets and pipes at the bottom of the test container, or steam is generated during the process, which causes the radar wave to diffusely reflect and causes the liquid level to fail. After the process liquid level is normal, restart it and it will automatically recover. The diffuse reflection caused by steam will automatically recover when the temperature is normal.
What are the daily maintenance items of radar level transmitter? #
1. The power switch of the radar level gauge should not be operated too frequently, otherwise the power card will be easily burned;
2. Don’t operate in a hurry after the radar level gauge is turned on, but give the instrument a buffer start time.
3. Pay attention to the cleanliness of the radar antenna. Excessive adhesions will cause the radar level gauge to not work properly.
4. Usually use alcohol, gasoline and other solvents to clean the surface of the radar antenna.
5. When the temperature inside the instrument is too high, a fan can be used to blow the shell of the radar level gauge to cool down.
6. Confirm whether the grounding protection is in place. In order to prevent electric leakage from damaging electrical components and interference to normal signal transmission, remember to ground the radar head and either end of the signal interface of the cabinet in the control room.
7. Whether lightning protection measures are in place. Although the radar level gauge itself supports this function, it is still necessary to take external lightning protection measures.
8. The on-site junction box must be installed in strict accordance with the installation instructions, and waterproof measures must be taken at the same time.
9. Field wiring terminals must be sealed and isolated to prevent liquid intrusion from causing short circuit of power supply, wiring terminals and circuit board corrosion.
The above are the main aspects that need to be paid attention to in the maintenance of the radar level gauge. Of course, different places of use need to pay attention to different places. For example, some flammable and explosive occasions need to observe explosion-proof measures and so on.
